The FPEA is in the process of selecting a team of elite communicators to serve as our online Ambassadors to help us build greater community within our membership, attract new members and build alliances with other organizations, companies and individuals who have an interest in homeschooling in Florida.
The ideal candidates will be:
Able to serve 2-4 hours of time every week for a term of 1 year. Basic computer skills are necessary, but training will be provided for specific tasks so you don’t need to be a social media expert. The most important qualification is your passion for homeschooling and your ability to communicate that passion with others.
If chosen, benefits include:
- Free admission to our 2012 convention with VIP access
- Ambassador t-shirt to wear at the convention to communicate your position to fellow attendees.
- Listing on a special Ambassador page on FPEA.com
– including your photo, bio, social media links and link to your own personal website, group or business - And More!
OPEN POSITIONS
Blog Writer/Editor
- Coordinates with Internal Content Curator to get stories and information from local chapters
- Coordinates with Internal Content Curator to locate and shares articles/stories found on the web
- Manages the editorial calendar and solicits guest blog posts
- Writes occasional short posts to disseminate FPEA news
Facebook Ambassador
- Manages dissemination of news and stories through Facebook
- Posts events and announcements
- Builds relationships and discussions amongst those on the FPEA fan page
- Responds to feedback, questions and comments on the FPEA fan page
- Builds alliances with other Facebook groups/pages in the homeschool arena
Twitter Ambassador
- Manages dissemination of news and stories through Twitter
- Posts events and announcements
- Builds relationships and discussions amongst those following FPEA’s Twitter account
- Responds to feedback, questions and comments made in reference to Twitter
- Builds Twitter alliances with others in the homeschool arena
YouTube/Flickr Ambassador
- Coordinates with Internal Content Curator to get videos and photos from local chapters
- Posts videos and photos from local chapters and FPEA statewide
Internal Content Curator
- Solicits articles, photos and videos from local chapters and state office
- Coordinates with the rest of the Ambassadors to provide the content they need
- Organizes and archives articles, photos and videos
External Content Curator
- Monitors specified sites to locate timely articles/news and information on the web
- Coordinates with the remainder of the team to provide them with the needed content
- Organizes and archives external news/information and articles related to homeschooling
- Monitors bloggers and podcasters in the homeschooling arena to locate appropriate content
FPEA Ambassador Liason
- Primary contact with FPEA Board
- Communicates needs, directives, new initiatives, etc … to the team of Ambassadors
- Monitors and reports progress to the Board
FPEA Reputation Management Monitor
- Monitors online mentions of the FPEA
- Reports positive comments to the FPEA Liaison
- Comments on positive comments where appropriate
- Responds to negative comments as per the guidance they will be provided
Leadership Portal Ambassador
- Manages and monitors the Leadership Community to ensure compliance to guidelines
- Facilitating conversation and community amongst the group
- Introducing members to each to add value for participants
Sponsorship Liason/Manager
- Coordinates with advertising/sponsorship sales person
- Provides Blog, Twitter and Facebook Ambassador with name/link/information of premier advertisers for posting
FPEA Seal Ambassador
- Primary contact for the NEW FPEA Gold Seal Review Board
- Communicates review results with the rest of the Ambassador team
- Compiles and posts supplied reviews and images
HOW TO APPLY
If you’re interested in becoming an FPEA Ambassador simply create a 1-2 minute video OR a 100-300 word essay that answers the question “Why Would I Make a Perfect FPEA Ambassador” – and let us know what position or positions you would prefer to be considered for. Submit entry through the blog’s comment box. Be sure to be bold and show us your passion!
HOW TO SUBMIT
Preferred method to submit entry
1. Provide your entry into the comment field below.
Secondary method to submit entry
2. Email entry to asm@fpea.com including essay and/or video file.
Deadline for submission
is Friday August 26th!
Homeschooling and the amazing social power that facebook has, a match who’s time had come. I have been Homeschooling my children since kindergarten, my son Shane will start in eleventh grade this year and my daughter Tiany will be in tenth. I am a widow having lost my husband to cancer. Homeschooling afforded our family the freedom to continue being there for each other through extremely trying circumtances.
I love facebook, it is the right time to let homeschool shine and show the world that Homeschooling is a smart cool choice. As the facebook ambassador I will strive that the FPEA page is current, fun,young, positive, inclusive and informative
I would very much like to fill the role of Facebook OR Twitter FPEA Ambassador! I am very active in social media, and I love to talk about homeschooling. I have found that my niche in most homeschooling groups is in mentoring young homeschooling moms or those who are new to the lifestyle, and I think this could translate very well to promoting the events and activities offered by FPEA. I usually coordinate FPEA convention meetups and luncheons for our local homeschool groups, and I enjoy sharing with newcomers all the benefits that FPEA offers to our community. Building relationships online is something I do very well, and, given the opportunity, I would love to incorporate my passion for homeschooling and for FPEA into these relationships.
In 1999 we got the amazing news that I was expecting our first (and so far only) child. Before we even had a name, we knew that home schooling was to be our method of choice for our child’s education. At first we did it out of selfish reasons, I love my son & wanted to spend as much time as I could with him & being on our own schedule was more flexible Now it is because we are adamant that he receive the education that so many great men of history were afforded.
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Homeschooling has become my passion. I try to encourage new homeschooling moms & enjoy learning from veteran moms. In recent months the realization has crept in, that after 6 years of schooling at home, I am becoming one of those veteran moms. Not a day goes by that I don’t tell a woman “you can do it!” & start explaining how wonderful homeschooling can be.
The internet is a tool I have used for our entire school experience. Facebook brings moms together in an easy manner that can fit into our busy days. Blogs are a wonderful way to communicate ideas & opinions. It is important that all these new modes of communication are utilized & harnessed.
In the past I have helped administer these & other internet tools to promote political campaigns (facebook.com/TroyStanleyforCongress) & church groups. I have built websites for the above campaign, administered email lists & helped manage web based call centers. I am familiar with facebook, word, office & other computer/internet tools.
From your list of open opportunities I would like to be considered for any of the following positions:
Facebook Ambassador
YouTube/Flickr Ambassador
FPEA Reputation Management Monitor
FPEA Seal Ambassador
Thank you & I hope to be able to help.
~~Valencia Tupper
Dear FPEA Board,
I am interested in bringing what I already know about Social Media to the table, while learning the TONS that I do not know in an effort to promote both FPEA and the home education cause on a local and state level.
I would like to apply for the YouTube/Flickr Ambassador position. You can view my novice work using YouTube on my organization website: http://www.class-source.com. I have been branching out into the Social Media arena in an effort to promote our home education support program and have found it to be a powerful tool. I would love to learn more and use it for the greater good in our FPEA community.
Thank you for your consideration,
Dina Fox
Director, Class Source
FPEA member since 2000
Why Would I Make a “Perfect” FPEA Ambassador…..
Well, first I need to change the title of my essay to “Why Would I Make a Passionate FPEA Ambassador”. See one thing that I have learned in 11 years of homeschooling is there is no such thing as perfect. No perfect school day, no perfect curriculum, no perfect answer, and most assuredly no perfect people. I wish I could go back to that naive mother who sat with her 4 year old son at the kitchen table and fought with him over coloring the apple on his “A” paper. It took a lot of tears, a lot of prayer, and a lot of wisdom from other homeschoolers for me to lean that perfect just doesn’t happen.
So I would not be a perfect ambassador but I would be passionate! I have homeschooled my children since they were born. And nothing gets me more excited than talking to others about the greatest and the hardest thing that I do every day, educate my children! The road has been long, sometimes difficult, but always rewarding. I have three children ages 15, 13, and 9. They each do a different curriculum (another hard lesson I had to learn). They each have unique gifts and unique struggles but with God’s help we have grown, learned, and are slowly but surely becoming who God wants us to be (and that “we” includes me too).
I would be thrilled to be a Facebook Ambassador. But as I have learned over the years I’ll grow where I’m planted so if there is another area that you feel I would better serve in I am always willing to prayerfully consider other options.
Thank you for your time,
Melissa Thomas (mmtad@yahoo.com)
What a wonderful opportunity it would be to become a Reputation Manager for the FPEA. As a 9 year plus veteran homeschooling parent, FPEA has been my “Go To” place from the beginning. It’s been a valuable resource for myself and my family and I would love the opportunity to support and drive it’s wonderful name. It is with such pride that I attend the FPEA Convention every year and network with visitors and other Social Media homeschoolers.
I, along with many others, are very active in the Social Media scene, but this particular position really appealed to me. Our name and reputations say a lot about who we are and I do have the time and experience needed to conduct the research that is required for this position. I already have my hand in a number of homeschool social media arenas as I write for various online homeschool communications. I would love the oppurtunity to help promote and seek out the FPEA’s good name and also to help if negative feedback is encountered.
Thank you in advance for your consideration and if you feel I may be better suited for another area of assistance, please do not hesitate to consider me for where your need is. It would be my pleasure to be able to give back to an organization that has blessed and given so much to us over the past 9 years.
Fondly,
Roberta Underhill
FPEA Member since 2002
Homeschool Advocate & Writer
Hello,
I am a new homeschool mom of my 12 and 3 year olds daughters and my 10 month old son. We have just completed our first year. We believe in life learning so “life” is inlcuded in our daily schooling. I know there is a lot for me to learn and I feel like I can grow with the new parents as they can identify with me and yet, not be too all knowing to take advice and be a good ambassador. Before I stopped working I was a web administrator for an agriculture firm as well as their “techy”, as I was called. I was allowed to develop a large interest in the internet and blogging as well as fix minor computer issues around the office. I am a pretty big Facebooker and will say that I am slightly addicted. Since I am already there maybe I am suited for that position but will let you make that decision. I am pretty familiar with most of the current Microsoft programs, am pretty internet savy and would love a chance to be a part of your team. I am open to any of the positions that you think I would be suited for. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Tina Cash
Devoted Wife
Lifeschooling Mom
FPEA Member 2011
I am also interested in applying for the position of FPEA Reputation Management Monitor. In fact, the internet is so vast, that I suggest you appoint several people to fill this position.
I have a business degree in Marketing and I am the marketing manager for The Knowledge Exchange, which is the ONLY place outside of a convention where homeschool families can compare great titles like My Father’s World and Classical Conversations outside of a convention. I manage communications, advertising, and graphics for the company.
Like so many others, I too have a passion for the homeschool community and for promoting the FPEA. The FPEA already enjoys the distinction of being one of the best homeschool organizations in the country. The FPEA Convention is the MOST important convention in the United States! Maintaining this reputation benefits everyone in the homeschool community. It is imperative that we continue to put out best foot forward in order to protect our legal right to educate our children as we see fit.
My daily activities already involve monitoring homeschool blogs, social media, and other online sources. I can also set alerts to help me find other mentions of the FPEA. I would be happy to use my expertise and resources to promote such a worthy cause.
Sincerely,
Emily Wright
Marketing Manager
The Knowledge Exchange
http://www.TheKnowledgeExchange.com
http://www.facebook.com/TKE4Me
I am a home school dad who has run a blog since 2007. I love homeschooling our two sons because it gives me a chance to help them grow and for me to grow as a father with them.
I have been on facebook and twitter since 2008 and understand each sites strengths and weaknesses. However I think I would fit better into the content curator or liaison roles. I have managed a couple of focus groups and message boards so I understand the importance of getting information to the right people.
I also have coordinated sponsors and affiliate marketing campaigns for several different websites. While I am not the best at getting the sale from a sponsor, I do know where to put the ads when they come in.
Thanks for the opportunity,
Steve
Dear FPEA Board;
As I ponder on the title of this essay, I have to say I’m far from perfect! However, I love homeschooling. I have been homeschooling our 12 year old son since 2007. At first I thought I was too old to homeschool. You see, I became pregnant at 39 after having a tubal ligation back in 1983 after my 2nd child!!! My son, Caleb is a miracle, he spent most of his 1st year in the hospital. After much praying and many tears Caleb is now a healthy 12 year old boy, through which my passion for homeschooling has evolved. I have learned that God gives us these wonderful children and it is our responsibility to train them. I have spoken to young mothers encouraging them to homeschool because it is the greatest job they’ll ever do. I am active in social media and I love to write and express my ideas as well as the ideas of others. I am so passionate about homeschooling that I recently quit my job because my employer was very negative about homeschooling and gave me an ultimatum if I wanted to return I had to stop homeschooling my son. After prayerfully considering I went after what I felt was rightfully mine, and now my former employer has had to pay me funds that are due me. I hope through this essay you have gotten an idea of how passionate I am about homeschooling and most of all I want to share that passion. I would like to be considered for the facebook ambassador or the twitter ambassador, or any other position you feel I would be qualified to fill.
Thank you for considering me,
Kathleen Ubiles
katubiles@gmail.com
I am very interested in becoming an ambassador for FPEA! We are in our 8th year of homeschooling and we are blessed with 5 daughters. I love sharing our passion for homeschooling, as well as passing along pertinent information, which is one of the reasons why I would make a “perfect FPEA ambassador”. I am very knowledgeable about the computer. I have worked from home using many different programs, and I am a quick study on new ones! I love social media and the opportunities it affords us to share our views.
Thank you for your consideration!
Jonatha Sullivan
Greetings FPEA Board Members,
The reason I will make the perfect FPEA Facebook Ambassador is because I love homeschooling my daughter and I am addicted to Facebook (FB). I have a wonderful 6 year old little girl whom I’ve been homeschooling since birth. With the school system lacking much needed programs and adequate teachers, I find it more beneficial to homeschool and my daughter is above average because of it. We do a variety of homeschooling techniques ranging from traditional to unschooling. We belong to several sites and organizations. Since I am budget conscious I am always on the lookout for a bargain or FREE learning adventures on the web and in stores. No matter where I am I always find time to read status updates from friends, family, and other homeschoolers and like to share information via FB to other Families.
I am quite passionate about homeschooling and providing an educational fun learning environment with strong values, good morals, and important life lessons to my daughter and future children. I teach acceptance of all people regardless of religion, race, or worldly beliefs. My daughter and I have had the pleasure of meeting many wonderful people and learning of their culture and sharing with them our Caribbean heritage along with homeschooling tips, advice, and knowledge.
I can truly say that we love our life and homeschooling is what we do best. If chosen as FPEA Facebook Ambassador, I can devote the required time as I am disabled and a stay at home Mom. We love to travel in and out of the state and FB goes wherever we go, so I’ll always be connected to our FB community.
I look forward to your decisions on FPEA Ambassadors.
Joana Clermont
Your future FPEA Facebook Ambassador
FPEA Ambassador At Your Service
I am more than ready to step up to the plate as a Blog Writer/Editor for FPEA. I have been homeschooling here in Brevard County since 1990. I still have another six years planned. Over the years I have worked alongside many talented homeschool parents who have worked to make homeschooling better for all. Many times in the early years it was a struggle to get information on exciting opportunities out to other families. The advent of Facebook, Twitter, and other social media has been a real boon in that area. Now, we are able to share a wealth of information with others who are homeschooling or considering homeschool as an education option. We can give each other encouragement, field trip ideas, share online learning tools, and more with just a few clicks of the mouse. I am glad to see FPEA jumping on board and working to organize the information available throughout the state, nation and world for our homeschool families. This is a huge service, and I would be proud to continue to be a part of the effort in an even larger way as a Blog Writer/Editor for the next year. I am passionate about homeschooling (as so many are), I long to encourage those who are in the midst of the fray, and I want to see homeschooling flourish in Florida and throughout the United States. There is no better way to educate your child. Now is the time to get the message out.
Our Passion for homeschooling started 15 years ago, when we pulled our now 24 year old out of public school. Now 6 children later, homeschooling has just become a way of life. If I had to sum up my “volunteer” jobs over these years, many would be centered around writing and passing on information. I was the editor for three years for our local home school group. Now, I oversee a email loop that is used for writing encouraging notes, sharing information amongst 150+ homeschool families. Besides this, I have the opportunity to be handle the administration for our group’s sports teams. My passion is to keep people informed with the logistics of what is out there; but not only the “information” passed on but the encouragement needed to feel connected and a part of a new group or activity. I work better as a connector; passing on details; sharing good news; getting people connected–than being on the front line. The jobs listed below sound appealing and I would like to hear more about them. Please consider me as one of you Ambassadors. Thank you, Doreen Reysen
Blog Writer/Editor
* Coordinates with Internal Content Curator to get stories and information from local chapters
* Coordinates with Internal Content Curator to locate and shares articles/stories found on the web
* Manages the editorial calendar and solicits guest blog posts
* Writes occasional short posts to disseminate FPEA news
Internal Content Curator
* Organizes and archives articles, photos and videos
External Content Curator
* Monitors specified sites to locate timely articles/news and information on the web
* Coordinates with the remainder of the team to provide them with the needed content
* Organizes and archives external news/information and articles related to homeschooling
* Monitors bloggers and podcasters in the homeschooling arena to locate appropriate content
FPEA Reputation Management Monitor
* Monitors online mentions of the FPEA
* Reports positive comments to the the FPEA Liason
* Comments on positive comments where appropriate
* Responds to negative comments as per the guidance they will be provided
Leadership Portal Ambassador
* Introducing members to each to add value for participants
FPEA Seal Ambassador
* Communicates review results with the rest of the Ambassador team
* Compiles and posts supplied reviews and images
I have been homeschooling our daughter for the past 12 years since she was 3 years old. I have a passion for encouraging new and fellow veteran homeschoolers. I have a passion for getting accurate, detailed information to those who desire it and/or need it. I have in the past and currently hold a leadership position in my local homeschool group. I have a strong belief that things should be done decently and in order. I believe that it is important that everyone who is part of a group clearly understands the group’s purposes and goals. I believe that is the main key to being a successful and effective group.
Because of my commitment, experience, passions, and belief in orderly leadership in a homeschooling environment, I believe I would make an excellent FPEA Ambassador Liaison. I would do my best to effectively communicate between the FPEA Board and my fellow FPEA Ambassadors.
Thanks in advance for your consideration,
Alesia Wilson
i have been homeschooling for 15 years and have organized, incorporated and led a support group for six of those years with the responsibility of setting up and running the group’s website, yahoo group and Facebook accounts. I have also been a member of over 50 yahoo group accounts, moderator to 4 and owner of 3 for the last 11 years. In addition I have assisted with church volunteer positions, 4-H co-leader and a former girl scout leader for 9 years. My skills are computers, electronics in general, networking and organizing as well as support to the local Homeschoolers. If needed I would be happy to assist with the FPEA online communication connections. –Nancy Robbins, HOPE Homeschoolers, Inc.
We began our homeschool journey two years ago, after about four solid years of prayer! Prior to that, I was a classroom middle school teacher for 11 years. I loved teaching my students, but I felt this pull on my heart to spend more time with my own children. They grow up so fast, and I just felt like I was missing out. The first few months were a big adjustment, but this year, we have really hit our stride. I love everything about homeschooling my boys! The excitement of new discoveries, the discussions and debates, the time spent trying new things and learning together. I would make a good facebook ambassador because I have already shared so much about our homeschooling on facebook! I had so many questions about it, I even started a blog so people could learn more about what we are doing. I also am a very proud FPEA member! I went to my first FPEA conference before I even started homeschooling, just so I could learn more about it. Now I go every year, usually with a friend or two, and sometimes with my oldest son. I love seeing the diversity in the huge number of people involved in homeschooling in Florida, and the vast amounts of resources available to us!
If you need someone to write short diatribes to encourage and engage folks in the homeschool culture that might post once or twice a week, I may can help with that. You can read stuff I have written on the websites that are linked via the website I provided above.
Thankful for FPEA and how you are encouraging and equipping parents to be directors of their children’s education.
-jason
Our homeschool journey began with the birth of my oldest daughter 17 years ago and what a journey it has been! She is now in her senior year, followed by another daughter who is a junior and a son just starting middle school. There is nothing that I love more than the blessing of homeschooling my 3 amazing children and the opportunity to raise them up in the fear and admonition of the Lord. For my family, homeschooling is not so much about education as it is about a lifestyle – learning, growing, and building day by day, together. I am passionate about all things homeschooling, reading as much as possible on the subject, attending conferences and seminars and researching constantly. I have also been blessed with the opportunity to lead a local homeschool group for 12 years, helping new and veteran moms find the best things for their family and their children. I enjoy talking about homeschooling anytime, anywhere, to anyone! I would love the opportunity to participate in the new and exciting changes that are taking place in FPEA and to help improve the dynamics of its efforts in our state, in any way that is fitting. The positions that I feel would be the best fit for me are:
Blog Writer/Editor
Facebook Ambassador
External Content Curator
FPEA Reputation Management Monitor
Sponsorship Liason/Manager
Thanks so much for your consideration!
Tammy
As a certified guidance counselor, I find distressing the lack of communication between our local school board and those families interested in homeschooling. Unfortunately, some families that could have been successful give up on the home school process due to this lack of guidance. When I have an opportunity to intercede, I always tell families to join the FPEA! I think this organization is a great resource for providing information to current and future home schoolers. I would enjoy the chance to participate in a formal position with the FPEA; therefore, I would like to become an FPEA Ambassador Liaison.
Most Sincerely,
Sarah Ball
I love homeschooling and love to tell others about our journey. I first decided to homeschool when my two little girls, then ages 8 & 10, were bringing so much homework home from private school that we didn’t have time to do the “little girl” things with them. Now, 14 years later, I realize I wouldn’t change a thing. My two “little girls” are 22 & 24 and have become beautiful, successful, intelligent, and responsible women. I have also been blessed to be able to continue in the homeschool journey my two younger children that are now 13 & 15.
I would love to be an FPEA Ambassador and have the privilege of sharing my experiences that may help others along their journey. Homeschooling is a life journey and is meant to be shared with others as we encourage and lift each other up. It never ceases to amaze me how we can use the internet as a way of bringing that encouragement to those who we would never have otherwise met.
I think I would best be able to serve in any of the following areas: Blog Writer/Editor, Facebook Ambassador, YouTube Ambassador. I would also be willing to try my hand at Internal Content Curator or External Content Curator. Please consider me in helping to keep homeschooling a positive experience for all.
Thank You,
Kim Catapane
I would love the opportunity to be able to use my former Marketing skills to help FPEA expand and reach out across Florida to all homeschooling avenues. When we began homeschooling it was something I didn’t think I could do, but as we enter our 4th yr. I can say I can’t imagine doing anything else. I want to be able to be part of an organization that allows us to expand our knowledge of homeschooling and reach out to others who are either beginning this journey or looking for new ideas and information to better their homeschooling. Through a broad range of social media outlets, we can bring homeschooling and what it entails to a higher level of recognition. I would love to be considered for the following positions:
Blog Writer/Editor
Facebook Ambassador
FPEA Ambassador Liason
FPEA Seal Ambassador
or any other position you think I may be beneficial too.
Blessings,
Julia Gordie
Being homeschoolers we are the pioneers for thinking “outside of the box”, educationally speaking. When I moved to Florida 14 years ago, working at the LEGO Imagination Center, a guest spoke to me at length about her daughter-in-law homeschooling her grandchild. Being from Connecticut, I had never heard of this alternative to school.
When my daughters were three years old, I began pre-school at home as a trial method of education, remembering the conversation I had. With a little research I found the FPEA, and went to my first convention. I found not only an amazing support group filled with methods, product and curriculum, I found a family.
Now, I will be starting 6th grade with my twins. I would be honored to utilize my degree in Copywriting/Public Relations to promote, research and enhance the overall reputation of the FPEA. Being the entrepreneur for our graphic design studio as well as my boutique bakery, I am constantly networking and promoting our good name.
Becoming an FPEA Reputation Management Monitor, would be a wonderful opportunity to act as a voice for something else I feel so passionate about. I have contacts throughout the publishing community as well. I was a writer/researcher and product reviewer for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine and our company did a redesign for Homeschooling Enrichment Magazine. I am confident that I could utilize my abilities in the most positive manner to promote and maintain the reputation of the FPEA.
I also agree with Emily Wright, having a few dependable Public Relations Managers working together to keep our company growing in a positive light, can only be beneficial.
Thank you for your consideration and for the opportunity to be a bigger part of something I hold dear to my heart, the education of our future.
Warmest Regards,
Shannon Swanson
Writer/Baker/Educator
FPEA Member since 2003
“Why Would I Make a Perfect FPEA Ambassador”
• Blog Writer/Editor
• Sponsorship Liason/Manager
• FPEA Seal Ambassador
• FPEA Reputation Management Monitor
The question is why would I make a perfect Ambassador for the FPEA in the state of Florida? Because of several reasons, first being that I am a home school parent and I firmly believe in the foundation of home schooling for my child. Secondly, because I also work in the education system in Florida as I am a full time enrollment processor for a private college in the state of Florida so I understand the educational system in Florida and I can use this resource to better serve our families, friends and contacts within the FPEA. Finally, I am a communicator and I like to problem solve and find areas for improvement in situations. An Ambassador is a messenger getting the news out and informing those of the changes, situations or even just a friendly encouraging note is the best way to motive and improve homeschooling in our State. To me is it a privilege to be a part of FPEA for homeschooling and I have already worked with some members of FPEA to bring my private college up to date on the requirements for graduation with FPEA and homeschooling for those students to be accepted into the college. I like to research and find resources to help in situations where needed. I feel the positions listed above would best suit me and my abilities to add to the Ambassador role for the FPEA and for homeschoolers in the state of Florida.
Thank you,
Stephanie Laker
What an awesome idea! We have been homeschooling for 13 years (and FPEA members too) and the “baby” has just entered her senior year. For the last 6 years I have facilitated homeschool orientations in Pinellas County. It is truly fascinating to speak to people as they begin their homeschool journey.
I have also been a Girl Scout leader, conference speaker, homeschool student government liaison, so-op teacher, and homeschool support group board member. Wow, the opportunities that we have; not only for our students, but also for the parents!
I would love the opportunity to share those opportunities through a blog or Facebook. Thank you again for providing this opportunity to the homeschool community!
Back in 1991, before our first child was born we went to a home school convention and decided that was what we wanted for our family. I support the individualized instruction that home schooled students have.
I am a certified Teacher and I have a Master’s Degree in Special Education. I have taught in the public schools, in private schools and I am currently an administrator of a 617 private school for home schooled families. When I left the classroom to home school my own children many people raised their eyebrows in wonder and disbelief. Why would I make that choice? Simple. I wanted for my children the best education possible.
We make our decision to home school or to have our children attend public school based on the individual needs of the child. We have always supplemented public school with home school. My youngest son is very much involved in a local public school because of their academies. We however are teaching him other classes at home. At last years’ HERI graduation my in-laws who are educators and questioned our decision to home school summed up home schooling this way, “We are so surprised at the diversity of home schoolers and we are impressed by the level of education and experience that the graduates have.”
Affirmation from the nay sayers that home schooling works well. That is one reason I think I would be a perfect advocate for FPEA. Another reason is that I am internet and social network savvy so I could be your Facebook or Twitter ambassador, but what I would really like is to be an FPEA Blog Writer/Editor.
Leslie D. Jones
“Why Would I Make a Perfect FPEA Ambassador”….
Because there still is a LACK OF AN AWARENESS to the PRIVLEDGE that we can Homeschool our children. If I knew this in hind site my children would have been spared many challenges and even heartaches that they had in their short few years of public and private school. If I can help let others know, and spare them these heartaches and frustrations, HOW SWEET and AMAZING. We Homeschool our 2 boys ages 9 and 8 and have a 2 1/2 yr old son that has Epilepsy. We have a very busy life filled with many challenges, however, the education and security that they receive from being home schooled far out weighs any private or public school education. When children are taught from “life experiences” and from the comfort and security from their parents, they learn a lesson that CANNOT be taught elsewhere; they learn how to become respectful, compassionate, responsible, Patriotic, and God Fearing individuals. They also don’t face the pressures from peers of having to measure up and are secure in who they are as INDIVIDUALS. I cannot imagine “NOT Homeschooling” our boys and believe that more parents should be given the opportunity to become aware of this Priviledge and Honor that we have. I would gratefully and humbly serve as an “FPEA Ambassador Liason”. Thank you so much for your consideration. Diana LoPresti
Homeschooling becomes a way of life that develops into own unique personal novel that is built upon different chapters of our lives.
My own personal novel would begin with the experiences balancing stepchildren in public/private school while homeschooling my own son and daughter from a young age. Along my journey I experienced the difficulties of taking care of a family while helping my husband deal with an on-going disability and economic struggles that many homeschoolers have experienced. I know what it is like to use a complete set of curriculum and I know what it is like homeschool on a shoestring budget.
Today’s chapter of my novel would include homeschooling my two teenagers while providing care for my two grandchildren four days a week. Being involved with my high school kids and having my grandchildren throughout the week keeps me involved and interested in every age range of homeschooling. We have been involved in 4-H, American Heritage Girls, Boy Scouts, and Venturing.
So when I read about FPEA’s ambassador program my heart skipped a beat. Thanks to all those who helped me in the past, I am in a place in my life that I am ready to give back to the homeschool community. I have a special place in my heart to help others whether it is the basics of homeschooling or how to juggle a complicated life.
It is with a humbled heart that I would like to make myself available to FPEA in any position that I would be needed.
Dear Board Members,
I would like to be considered for the Blog Writer/Editor position with FPEA. Writing a blog would be an awesome opportunity to share with other home schooling parents. I have taught writing
classes from my home and in churches to other home schooling families. Using the Excellent in Writing Curriculum, I have helped many students achieve their dreams of writing a good paper. Because of these classes, writing is one field I feel very capable of taking charge of. During the past eight years, I have home schooled my three beautiful daughters and will see one of them graduate this year. I would love to be a voice for FPEA and support the excellent efforts you make to continue our home school experience with excellence. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Susan Owen, Bradenton
Why I Would Make a Perfect FPEA Ambassador-Blog Writer/Editor
We have always home schooled our children. Prior to having children, I taught in the public schools for eight years. My husband and I agreed back then that it would probably be wise for me to maintain my teaching certificate by keeping it renewed. For what, we did not know.
Now that our three children are graduated from homeschool (they are 18, 20, and 21 years old) I am busier than ever doing the home school evaluations and testing that I would not have ever thought of when we decided to keep my certificate up-to-date. I meet a diversity of wonderful home schooling parents and students at every stage of home schooling.
For sixteen years now, I hear and have heard many stories about the reasons parents home school their children. Some were convicted before they had children, some had not thought of it until a friend began talking about it, some pull their children out of public schools for safety, some for better use of time, some to save money from the cost of private schools, some have children who train and/or play semi-professional sports and cannot keep a regular school schedule, and some have slower learners or special needs that can well be met by home schooling, They tell me what works for them. All of these parents express how glad they are they have this privilege of home schooling their children!
Our 18 year old son has Down Syndrome. This had given us a greater appreciation for home schooling a special needs child as well as giving our family a closer relationship with him. Our daughter is a senior at college and our middle son is salaried, working full time in his specialty.
I believe that I would be a perfect FPEA Ambassador due to my contact with many homeschoolers and home schooling parents, because I have been on the Steering Committee of a local Home School Group for many years, because our three children have given me different educational experiences, and because being an FPEA member since our daughter was 5 years old I have learned so much from the FPEA publications!
Sincerely,
Rita L.Chamberlin
I would love to serve the FPEA Board as an ambassador, especially in areas that involve writing or editing. I have worked with HERI as a volunteer librarian for the last couple years, and have taught the homeschooling introduction classes at the HERI Convention and Saturday getting started seminars for the last three years. I also was the primary writer and editor for The Old Schoolhouse’s Single Parents’ e-newsletter in 2006-2007 until they reformatted the e-newletters and phased out some of the specialty letters. As a HERI librarian I regularly educate and counsel new and struggling homeschooling families, and work with curriculum and books.
My specific passion is encouraging single parents and families facing difficult challenges to their homeschooling to trust God and follow His leading even when homeschooling seems impossible. I have used various computer programs, and have completed a training course in editing and writing. I also am a semi-professional photographer, and have worked with digital editing of images and laying out graphic publications. I would prefer the following positions: Blog Writer/Editor, Facebook Ambassador, Twitter Ambassador, Internal Content Curator, or FPEA Ambassador Liason, however I am willing to serve in any capacity needed.
I appreciate being considered for this, and will be praying for your decision.
Lisa Baker
Hi Fellow FPEAer’s!
Did I just coin a Word? When I first saw your email come through my inbox my heart skipped a beat with excitement at the opportunity to partner with you encouraging, and supporting others in their homeschool journey. We have 4 children that have we homeschooled since the beginning except for a semester of kindergarten with our oldest son, which is graduating this year. My family is originally from Miami. We moved to St. Petersburg eight years ago. Shortly after moving here our family plugged into our church and our local homeschool community. I served 4 years on the board of directors for the PPEA, Pinellas Parent Educators Association, one of my county’s homeschool support groups. I started out administering their blog, managing their lending library and then moved on to do the promotions and marketing of their events and any other opportunities that were homeschool family friendly.
While on the PPEA board I learned that even though I was excited and had lots of ideas I had to be willing to work within a team. I don’t know if you’ve ever noticed how strong willed and opinionated we homeschool parents can be?
I want to live a life that is led and yielded by the spirit, not only be a benefit to the homeschool community in general but, to its leadership. With all that said, what I am trying to say is that I would love to serve alongside with you but am not sure which ambassador position would be the best fit.
I have a passion for gathering information and sharing it with others in the hopes it will encourage and help them. I send out emails, “Monica’s 411”, seasonally with a lot of the great family friendly events around town. I am very familiar with blogging, youtube and facebook. My family’s blog is http://www.gforceacademy.wordpress.com . Please visit us! I would like to help in any capacity that you feel that I can be good at. I am praying the Lord lead you as you choose your Ambassadors. Go Homeschoolers! Go FPEAers!
Sincerely,
Monica Guerra
FPEA Board,
I am interested in bringing what I already know about Marketing and Sales to FPEA as well as maximizing my skills in Social Media, in an effort to promote FPEA and home schooling in general.
I just listened to HubSpot’s webinar on The Social Media Revolution and want to be more a part of that revolution with FPEA.
My organizational skills coupled with my professional marketing and sales experience and connections should be of value to FPEA. Our family passion for homeschoolers (3 children,(2 which have graduated) should also be of value.
I appreciate your consideration for the FPEA Ambassador Liaison position and/or a “LinkedIn” Ambassador, should you feel that it would be of benefit to the organization.
You can view my Profile on LinkedIn at: http://www.linkedin.com/in/georgebutterly.
Thank you for your consideration,
George Butterly
Marketing & Sales Consultant
FPEA member